> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://captivatehelp.newbluelive.com/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://captivatehelp.newbluelive.com/get-started/chapter-index-2/the-playout-interface.md).

# Tour the Captivate interface

A quick orientation to the Captivate panels, in the order you’ll meet them: build the show in the Project List, find designs in the Library, check them in Preview, watch the output in the Program Monitor, and fine-tune in Properties. At the end, the two workspace layouts — **Setup** and **Live** — that arrange these panels for building and for show time.

* [Top bar](#top-bar)
* [The main panels](#the-main-panels)
* [Panels for show time](#panels-for-show-time)
* [Two workspace layouts](#two-workspace-layouts)

## Top bar

<div align="left"><figure><img src="https://352477438-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2FFCWMxradHcVjURnrXSYX%2Fuploads%2Fgit-blob-2d47dede36816e3341d0b24297d7dfb1a425266f%2Ftop-menu-bar-overview.jpg?alt=media" alt="The top bar with panel icons, Setup / Live workspace toggle, CPU indicators, Start Streaming, and the video panic button"><figcaption></figcaption></figure></div>

The top bar gives you panel visibility controls, the Setup / Live workspace layout toggle, system status indicators, streaming controls, and the video panic button. For what each indicator means and how the streaming and panic controls behave, see [Top-bar status indicators](/get-started/chapter-index-2/top-bar-status-meaning.md).

## The main panels

### Project List

<div align="left"><figure><img src="https://352477438-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2FFCWMxradHcVjURnrXSYX%2Fuploads%2Fgit-blob-2ce4404a4700e0e32e27267048ccc227e4478d3e%2Fproject-list.jpg?alt=media" alt="Project List with one channel tab and multiple rows"><figcaption></figcaption></figure></div>

The Project List is the heart of your production. Add and arrange the items that make up the show — graphics, media files, live video sources — connect data, and play them from here. See [Project List panel](/get-started/chapter-index-2/project-list-panel-and-channel-management.md).

### Library panel

<div align="left"><figure><img src="https://352477438-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2FFCWMxradHcVjURnrXSYX%2Fuploads%2Fgit-blob-5d799db090e45d78b6f7347859a51f0051303dc3%2Fgraphics-library.jpg?alt=media" alt="Library panel browsing a graphics collection"><figcaption></figcaption></figure></div>

The Library panel is where you start: it holds every title design template installed with Captivate, plus add-on collections and your own custom designs. Drag a design into the Project List to add it as a layer. See [Library panel](/get-started/chapter-index-2/library-panel.md).

### Preview panel

<div align="left"><figure><img src="https://352477438-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2FFCWMxradHcVjURnrXSYX%2Fuploads%2Fgit-blob-d10f1fb1d9a1a84bd65a678db930e3f7ceac9471%2Fpreview-panel.jpg?alt=media" alt="Preview panel showing a weather graphic with the Link Data sidebar visible"><figcaption></figcaption></figure></div>

The Preview panel shows the selected item before it goes to Program. Check a graphic, edit visible values, replace images, link data, and preview animation — without putting anything on air. See [Preview panel](/get-started/chapter-index-2/preview-panel.md).

### Program Monitor

<div align="left"><figure><img src="https://352477438-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2FFCWMxradHcVjURnrXSYX%2Fuploads%2Fgit-blob-8096ba35b7ff5cbd8774b9997d7d75c57ce3e5c0%2Fprogram-monitor.jpg?alt=media" alt="Program Monitor showing on-air output"><figcaption></figcaption></figure></div>

The Program Monitor shows what Captivate is sending to Program — one channel or several. Use it to confirm the live output, choose a Program Out destination, and monitor audio. See [Program Monitor panel](/get-started/chapter-index-2/program-monitor-panel.md).

### Properties panel

<div align="left"><figure><img src="https://352477438-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2FFCWMxradHcVjURnrXSYX%2Fuploads%2Fgit-blob-0cc2afc6fa868ed223fe087b9cff25205195d492%2Fproperties-panel.jpg?alt=media" alt="Properties panel with the Live Values tab selected"><figcaption></figcaption></figure></div>

The Properties panel shows settings for the selected Project List item. The available tabs change depending on what you select. See [Properties panel](/get-started/chapter-index-2/properties-panel.md).

### Data Controllers

<div align="left"><figure><img src="https://352477438-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2FFCWMxradHcVjURnrXSYX%2Fuploads%2Fgit-blob-36837cc059118198ac80c7fcfe82bbdb01bca30e%2Fdata-controller-panel.jpg?alt=media" alt="A WeatherCast Data Controller panel with location list and per-location forecast"><figcaption></figcaption></figure></div>

Data Controllers bring live data into a project — scoreboards, weather feeds, spreadsheets, presentation software, Zoom meetings. Open the Data panel to configure a controller, then link its values to graphic variables. See [Data Controller catalog](/play-and-update-graphics/chapter-index-3.md) and [How Data Controllers work](/play-and-update-graphics/chapter-index-3/how-data-controllers-work.md).

## Panels for show time

Three more panels appear when you operate the show:

### Shot Launcher

<div align="left"><figure><img src="https://352477438-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2FFCWMxradHcVjURnrXSYX%2Fuploads%2Fgit-blob-2b58907a8f0588c21e6b29a85f80e3d064a2c986%2Fshot-launcher-panel.jpg?alt=media" alt="Shot Launcher panel with three Shot tiles"><figcaption></figcaption></figure></div>

The Shot Launcher fires Shots — single-button takes that drive multiple graphics at once. See [Create Shot Layouts](/control-your-show/chapter-index-1/creating-shot-layouts.md).

### Video Switcher

<div align="left"><figure><img src="https://352477438-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2FFCWMxradHcVjURnrXSYX%2Fuploads%2Fgit-blob-9b641af0a7b26a81ab538a453d0d23d6903ad9a6%2Fvideo-switcher.jpg?alt=media" alt="Video Switcher panel with two sources"><figcaption></figcaption></figure></div>

The Video Switcher groups every live source and lets you cut between them. See [Use the Switcher panel](/set-up-your-production/chapter-index-4/the-switcher-panel.md).

### Audio Mixer

<div align="left"><figure><img src="https://352477438-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2FFCWMxradHcVjURnrXSYX%2Fuploads%2Fgit-blob-b3c93fef070bbf44aeae4f29b5686329f7fb757e%2Faudio-mixer.jpg?alt=media" alt="Audio Mixer panel with level meters"><figcaption></figcaption></figure></div>

The Audio Mixer shows every live audio source with its own fader and mute, plus a Master fader for the overall send. See [Audio Mixer panel](/set-up-your-production/chapter-index-5/the-audio-mixer.md).

## Two workspace layouts

Captivate arranges these panels into two workspace layouts. Switch between them with the **Setup** / **Live** buttons on the top bar.

**Setup** is for building and configuring a show — the Library, Project List, Preview, and Properties panels are front and center.

<div align="left"><figure><img src="https://352477438-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2FFCWMxradHcVjURnrXSYX%2Fuploads%2Fgit-blob-364fd01dbc9fb2afd0da1ae5bae357ec7405d03f%2Fsetup-workspace.jpg?alt=media" alt="Setup workspace with Library, Project List, Preview, and Properties panels"><figcaption></figcaption></figure></div>

**Live** is for operating the show — the Library gives way to the show-time panels: Shot Launcher, Video Switcher, Audio Mixer, and Program Monitor.

<div align="left"><figure><img src="https://352477438-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2FFCWMxradHcVjURnrXSYX%2Fuploads%2Fgit-blob-b13b1e7e7e0e5c135d8bd6b3e8abcdcf28778b1d%2Flive-workspace.jpg?alt=media" alt="Live workspace with Project List, Shot Launcher, Video Switcher, Audio Mixer, and Program Monitor"><figcaption></figcaption></figure></div>

You can rearrange either layout and save your own version — see [Customize Captivate’s layout](/get-started/chapter-index-2/customize-your-layout.md).

## Next step

* [Project List panel](/get-started/chapter-index-2/project-list-panel-and-channel-management.md) — the heart of your production.
* [Control your show](/control-your-show/branch-index.md) — drive the show in Live.


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